Types of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can occur in many different forms. Regardless of whether it is physical, emotional or takes some other form, abuse often follows an escalating pattern in which the aggravating behaviors worsen over time.

Physical attacks by the abuser is often accompanied by, or culminates in, sexual violence wherein the survivor is forced to have sexual intercourse with the abuser or take part in unwanted sexual activity.

Examples include:

forcing a partner to perform sexual acts against their will, including having sex with other people, imitate pornography

pursuing sexual activity when the victim is not fully conscious, is not asked, or is afraid to say no

hurting their partner physically during sex or assaulting genitals

coercing a partner to have sex without protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases

This form of abuse includes the use of technology to control and stalk a partner. This type of abuse can happen to people of all ages, but it is more common among teenagers, who use technology and social networking sites to interact in a manner often unmonitored by adults.

Examples include:

hacking into a victim's email and personal accounts

putting tracking devices into a victim's cell phone so that the abuser knows his/her location at all times

manipulation of social networks and violation of information privacy

recording or filming the victim's conversations with other people without their consent or knowledge

Click here to learn how to protect yourself from technological abuse (provided by the National Network to End Domestic Violence).